Make@thon: Young Talents Develop Sustainable Solutions

Have you ever heard of a Make@thon? In this format, young people come together for several days to develop creative solutions to pressing challenges of our time. Make@thons are often organized by universities and supported by NGOs or companies. The topics are diverse – from energy production and food security to climate change and the sustainable use of plastics.

In an interview with K-Mag, Tanja Rühl from PlasticsEurope Deutschland talks about the importance of Make@thons, challenges in education related to plastics, and upcoming events.

What impressions have you gained from previous Make@thons?

Tanja Rühl: At the Make@thon organized by Osnabrück University and the Siemens Foundation, which I had the opportunity to attend last fall, the focus was on the potential circularity of plastics and the associated sustainability.

In my workshop, I was able to illustrate the goals set by the plastics industry with the "Transmission Roadmap," what we have already achieved, and the challenges we still face. The students also met with representatives from Berlin's waste management services, visited recycling companies, spoke with a business consultant who explored economic aspects, and heard from an NGO representative who explained how floating plastic patches in the Pacific Ocean form and what can be done to prevent them.

Why is PlasticsEurope Deutschland’s involvement in such initiatives important?

Rühl: Only through comprehensive and hands-on STEM education can we meet the high demand for skilled professionals. Beyond that, we want to empower young people to actively shape our world and find solutions to climate change. This challenge cannot be tackled by one institution (such as schools) alone. That is why STEM education—at all levels—must become a top priority, and we must all contribute. As an association of plastics manufacturers, PlasticsEurope Deutschland is actively working to strengthen STEM education in relation to plastics. However, for this to succeed, we also need a social and political environment that fosters high-quality STEM education. Let’s work together to achieve this!

How can Make@thons help engage young people in sustainability and the plastics industry?

Rühl: The greatest advantage of Make@thons is the freedom they provide—the freedom of thought, the freedom to develop ideas around a given problem. Research has shown that this process often works better in extracurricular settings, where a more open environment is created. Additionally, Make@thons bring together young people with shared interests—those who are ready to take responsibility and are eager to develop creative ideas. Last but not least, our Make@thon also aims to raise awareness about high-performance polymer materials. Even students taking advanced chemistry courses are often unaware of the many applications of plastics and which recycling methods are best suited for different uses.

What are the biggest challenges in plastics education, and where do you see the greatest potential for positive change?

Rühl: That’s an excellent question. In my view, the biggest challenge is the prevalence of misinformation—where "perceived truths" replace actual facts. I see it as a dangerous trend when beliefs override rational thinking or factual evidence. Whether it's the brown-colored paper bag that "looks eco-friendly" or misconceptions about packaging materials—this issue extends beyond the plastics industry to many other areas. The only way to drive change is through education and knowledge. Chemistry lessons must be engaging enough to make young people excited about the natural sciences. That's why we have been actively involved in teacher training, educational materials, hands-on exhibitions, and much more for many years.

Was there an idea or project from the participants that particularly impressed you? If so, why?

Rühl: Additives made from used frying oil! The students had previously learned that additives can complicate the recycling of plastics, whether mechanically or chemically. That’s why I found this solution to be a brilliant idea.

What upcoming events are planned?

Rühl: The year 2025 will feature many exciting educational events, far too many to list here. Here are a few highlights:

• We will continue offering classic training sessions with Olly’s Cool Box of Plastics —for instance, for the first time at the Student Research Center in Ludwigshafen in February.
• At the Plastics Day for High Schools at Ansbach University in March, we will introduce VR headsets to showcase careers in the plastics industry—something I am particularly excited about.
• We are launching a new training program for upper secondary students in collaboration with the VCI (German Chemical Industry Association) on circular economy topics, including a workshop at the school leadership conference for MINT-EC (Germany's Excellence Network for STEM Schools).
• Additionally, we are offering online training courses, such as for employees of the nationwide Science Lab.
• In April, we will participate in Girls' and Boys’ Day.
• We will also be present at the MINT Day in Mainz and the MNU Conference in Bremerhaven.

To sum up, the main focus of our training initiatives will be circular economy and sustainability.

What role can a platform like K play in attracting young talents?

Rühl: If we succeed in demonstrating the crucial role we play in solving today’s challenges—such as how alternative energy sources rely on plastics or why packaging should not be seen as mere waste—then I believe we can ignite enthusiasm for this innovative industry among young people. The K trade fair is the perfect platform for this!